Since taking office in January 2017, President Trump’s administration has made significant changes to energy policy in the United States. The focus has shifted towards promoting and expanding the use of fossil fuels, while renewable energy sources, climate actions, and regulations have taken a backseat. Here are some of the major ways in which the administration has shaken up energy policy over the past four years.

All in on Fossil Fuels and Nuclear Energy

One of the most notable shifts in energy policy under the Trump administration has been the emphasis on fossil fuels and nuclear energy. President Trump has made it clear that he wants to maximize the production and use of these energy sources, which he believes will create jobs and boost the economy.

In March 2017, Trump signed an executive order to roll back the Clean Power Plan, an Obama-era regulation aimed at reducing carbon emissions from power plants. The move was seen as a major victory for the fossil fuel industry, as it lifted restrictions and allowed for increased production and use of coal, oil, and natural gas.

The administration has also opened up vast areas of public lands for oil and gas drilling, including in previously protected areas such as national monuments and wildlife refuges. This has been met with backlash from environmental groups, but the administration argues that it will lead to increased energy independence and economic growth.

In addition, the Trump administration has taken steps to support the struggling nuclear energy industry. In 2019, the Department of Energy announced a plan to provide subsidies to nuclear and coal power plants, citing their importance in maintaining a reliable energy grid. The move was met with criticism from renewable energy advocates, who argued that it would hinder the growth of clean energy sources.

Rolling Back Environmental Regulations

The Trump administration has not only promoted the use of fossil fuels, but it has also rolled back numerous environmental regulations that were put in place to protect the environment and public health. In addition to the Clean Power Plan, the administration has also weakened regulations on methane emissions from oil and gas operations, repealed the Clean Water Rule, and loosened restrictions on vehicle emissions.

These rollbacks have been met with strong opposition from environmentalists, who argue that they will have catastrophic consequences for the environment and public health. However, the administration argues that these regulations were burdensome and stifled economic growth, and that the new policies strike a better balance between environmental protection and economic interests.

Withdrawing from International Climate Agreements

The Trump administration has also taken a different approach to international climate agreements. In June 2017, Trump announced that the United States would be withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement, a landmark global treaty aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing climate change.

The decision was met with widespread criticism from other countries and environmental groups, who argued that it was a major setback in the fight against climate change. However, the administration defended its decision, stating that the agreement was unfair to the United States and would hurt the economy.

In place of the Paris Agreement, the Trump administration has focused on promoting the use of fossil fuels and pursuing a policy of “energy dominance”. This includes expanding exports of oil, gas, and coal, as well as relaxing regulations on energy companies.

The Future of Energy Policy

As the Trump administration comes to a close, it is clear that it has made significant changes to energy policy in the United States. The emphasis on fossil fuels and nuclear energy, along with the rollbacks of environmental regulations and withdrawal from international climate agreements, have been the defining features of the administration’s energy policy.

While these policies have been praised by the fossil fuel industry and some business groups, they have been met with strong opposition from environmentalists and many other countries. As the country moves forward, it will be up to the new administration to determine the future of energy policy in the United States and strike a balance between economic interests and environmental protection.